Jenny (Beach Brides Book 5) Read online

  “I haven’t been pretending. I just haven’t shared everything I’m thinking,” Dare admitted. “They brought in a head doctor for me to talk with after I got upset during one of my therapy sessions.”

  Jenny held his hand. “I’m glad you’ve had someone to talk to, but I’m here also. Don’t forget that.”

  “I can’t forget you.”

  “Except for asking me to come see you.” She brushed her lips across his. “Joking.”

  In the distance, laughter sounded.

  Dare looked across the grass. A pretty, pregnant brunette held the hand of a toddler. The little girl skipped and bounced on the sidewalk. Next to them was a man with no legs in an electric wheelchair. He was smiling and saying something to the little girl, who was giggling.

  Dare shook his head. “I don’t mean to shut you out. It’s just others have it worse than me.”

  “Maybe you weren’t injured as badly as others have been, but you’re still affected by this. Physically and emotionally. You can’t downplay how you feel because you don’t want to worry people or believe you have to act strong all the time.”

  He stared at the grass. “My mom’s been through so much. My dad’s no longer in the picture. Hasn’t been since I was thirteen. But even before then, he wasn’t around much. She’s done so much for my sisters and me, and now she’s put her life on hold to be here. You have, too.”

  “We’re here because we care about you, Dare. There’s no place I’d rather be, and your mom feels the same way. We want to help you, but you have to let us do that.”

  “I know.” If there was anyone Dare could talk to, it was Jenny. “But my dad used to complain. About everything.”

  “You wouldn’t be complaining. You’re just letting what’s inside out.”

  “You make it sound easy.”

  She shrugged. “You won’t know if it is or not until you try.”

  Dare had a feeling she could talk him into anything. He took a breath. And another.

  “I hate this. Being injured. Stuck in a hospital. Unable to help my guys. Relying on everyone but myself.” He half-laughed. “Those sound like complaints.”

  “You’re being honest. Keep going.”

  Saying the words aloud released some of the tension in his shoulders. He wanted to keep going. “I keep thinking about my staff sergeant. His name is Hamilton. He’s still deployed with the others. I miss Mitch and the rest of the guys so freaking much. I can’t wait to hear they’re home.” Dare shifted. “The crash wasn’t my fault, but I feel like I’ve let my guys down. That I should have been able to keep them safe. I want a do-over, so I can change what’s happened. But I can’t, and it feels like there’s this ball or something stuck at the back of my throat. It just keeps hurting.”

  She stood, walked to the back of his wheelchair, and put her arms around him. “I wish there were do-overs, too.”

  Dare sank into Jenny’s embrace. He just wanted to be held. Her warm breath against his neck was added comfort.

  “Wanting to be with my platoon doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you, too. You have a way of making me feel better without even trying. It’s confusing to want to be here and there at the same time.”

  She raised his hand and kissed it. “I’m sure it is confusing and frustrating, but all you need to focus on right now is healing. Your recovery is the most important thing.”

  He knew Jenny was correct, but that didn’t make his feelings any easier to deal with. “The head doctor said something similar.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Talk to the doctor. Talk to your mom. Talk to me. Call your guys or your staff sergeant.”

  Dare nodded.

  Jenny kept hold of him. “We haven’t known each other long—”

  “It feels like I’ve known you forever.”

  “Same.” He couldn’t see her face, but he knew she was smiling. “We joke around a lot, and I have no idea what you’re going through, but please know you can talk to me about anything. I might not have the answers, but I can listen. It takes a strong man to tell someone what he’s feeling. That’s not a weakness.”

  Dare’s gut told him Jenny would be there no matter if things were going well or if he were struggling. That he could trust her no matter what. She wouldn’t hurt him the way others had. “The same goes for you.”

  He thought she’d let go of him and return to the bench, but she didn’t. Having her hold him felt so good. Words didn’t seem necessary. Just being together was enough.

  A bee flew across the tops of the blades of grass. A siren sounded in the distance. Peals of laughter filled the air as the little girl twirled across the grass with her arms extended until the woman called for her.

  “That little girl is so cute,” Jenny said. “Not a care in the world.”

  Dare wondered what Jenny’s kids might look like. Mini versions of her if they were lucky. A question popped into his head. “Do you want kids?”

  “Yes, but…”

  He looked at her. She had a puzzled expression on her face. “What?”

  “I wrote about having a family in my last email to you. The one about Missy’s foster kittens.”

  Dare had read her emails so many times he had them memorized. “I never saw that one. What did it say?”

  “You really want to know?”

  “You bet.”

  Removing her cell from her pocket, she returned to the bench and sat. “The email is in my sent folder.”

  “Read it to me, please.”

  “Dear BFF.”

  As Dare listened to her email, he had no doubt if he hadn’t already fallen for Jenny, he would be now. Who was he kidding? He was tumbling head-first.

  Wishing on a star. Eating a special brownie for the two of them. Falling in love with kittens. Having an old-fashioned life plan—one that sounded perfect to him.

  Where had this woman been all his life? And how did he get her to move to Fort Benning so they could be together?

  Dare’s injuries were improving, and he would be able to return to duty in time. He hadn’t decided if he would be career military or not yet, but he knew one thing. He wanted her with him wherever that might be. There was no way he was letting Jenny go. But first things first…

  “Did you make a decision about adopting a kitten?” he asked.

  “No, I ended up coming here, and I honestly haven’t thought about it again.”

  “Still want my advice?”

  “Please.”

  “A pet won’t mess up your plan, not as long as you stick to your list. Don’t date men with allergies. Cats are independent. They are easier to leave than dogs if you want to go somewhere.”

  “I don’t travel that much.”

  “And I quote ‘Prefer armchair traveling to jet-setting.’ Yet, you’re here in San Antonio. If I’m going to visit Berry Lake, I hope you’d want to come to Columbus, Georgia.”

  Her eyes widened, but in a good way. That pleased him.

  “I would like to visit you there,” she said.

  “Many cats are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in an airplane, too. You could bring the cat with you if you wanted.”

  He’d gone from being single, to having a girlfriend, to having a girlfriend with a cat. Funny, but he was fine with that. He’d need a pet friendly apartment or maybe a house.

  “You think I should get a kitten?” she asked.

  “I think you want one, and if so, I say go for it.” Her smile told him he’d given the right advice, but he had one more thing to add. “And in case you’re wondering, I’m not allergic to any animals.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The next morning, Dare raised his glass of orange juice. “Here’s to improving enough to get a new room.”

  “Hear, hear.” His mom drank. “Do you think you’ll have a roommate?”

  “No idea, but most likely.”

  He hadn’t shared a bedroom in years, but how bad could it be? The nurses were always in and out to check on him. And
anyone would be better considering what his last roommate did to him.

  “Feel free to head out,” he said. “I’m going to visit Garcia, and then I’ll wait here for Jenny to show up later.”

  “Your sisters want to meet her.”

  “They will once I’m better.”

  “You sound certain.”

  “I am.” He remembered what Jenny had said about letting his feelings out. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone. Not even close with Kayla. Yesterday, Jenny told me I shouldn’t keep everything inside and pretend I’m okay.”

  “Smart woman. Your father was the master at keeping secrets. I had to drag everything out of him.”

  “Then I’m glad I opened up. I’m going to do everything I can so I don’t screw up.”

  This time, his mom raised her juice. “To not screwing up.”

  Dare laughed. “Geez, Mom. Got any better advice than that?”

  “Be open and honest. Trust and commitment go a long way to making a relationship work.” His mom sipped the juice. “Your dad wasn’t good at those things. I could only do so much.”

  His parents’ arguments had ranged from money to where his father had gone after work instead of coming home. They’d never fought in front of Dare or his sisters, but their voices carried through the small house where he’d grown up. The same house where his mom still lived now. “I remember the fighting.”

  “I’m sorry you do.” Regret filled her voice. “Your father was a damaged man. It wasn’t all his fault, but he couldn’t learn to move beyond any slight or hurt. His leaving was the best thing for us. I’ll always be grateful to him for giving you and your sisters to me, though.”

  There was no remorse in her voice, just sincerity, even if his father leaving had meant his mom working three jobs for the first couple of years.

  “You’re the best. I love you, Mom,” Dare said. He probably didn’t say that enough, either.

  A nurse entered the room. “Good morning. Corporal Garcia asked to see you. Want to pay him a visit?”

  “Yes. I’m ready.” If his mom hadn’t been here, Dare would have answered with a four-letter word followed by a yeah. Mom hated when he swore.

  “Tell Carlos I said hi.” His mom kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back later.”

  After donning yellow disposable scrubs, a mask, and gloves, Dare was wheeled into Garcia’s room.

  Carlos’ eyes were closed, and his lips drawn into a thin line. He looked nothing like the cocky kid who thought he knew everything.

  The nurse pushed Dare closer, locked the brake, and then left.

  Dare was happy to be alone with the corporal. “You’re getting the VIP treatment, Garcia. They made me get all dressed up to see you.”

  Carlos’ eyes sprang open. Widened. A huge smile spread across his face. “Sergeant, you’re okay.”

  The relief and happiness in Garcia’s voice made Dare’s throat burn and his eyes sting. “Getting there. Can’t let you have all the attention.”

  “Someone has to get the hot nurses.”

  That sounded more like the ranger Dare knew. “That would be you.”

  “But don’t tell Elle.” Carlos lowered his voice as if someone might hear him. “She gets jealous.”

  Elle was Carlos’ pretty fiancée. “Is she here?”

  “She was. My mom’s here now. They’re going to take turns. I may have an extended stay ahead of me.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Dare knew there was spinal cord damage. “You’ve got this.”

  “Going to give it my best shot, Sergeant.” Carlos sounded optimistic. That was a good sign. “Is your mom here?”

  He nodded. “She says hi.”

  “Did she bring cookies?”

  Dare had forgotten that Carlos loved cookies. “No, but I’ll ask if she can make some for you. She mentioned something about kitchen facilities at the family support center.”

  “Sweet. Is Jenny here, too?”

  Hearing one of his guys mention her name so easily felt weird yet right. “Yes, she is.”

  “Just friends. Yeah, right.” Carlos laughed and then grimaced. Pain? “I knew there was more going on. Yang owes me fifty bucks.”

  Dare’s mouth gaped. “You bet on my friendship with Jenny?”

  “Relationship, and well, yeah.”

  He shook his head. “I’m going to come up with some kind of payback for when you get out of here.”

  “Bring it on, Sergeant. I’ll be ready.” Carlos’ eyes gleamed. “It’s good to see you.”

  Dare touched his arm. “I would have been here sooner, but I wouldn’t fit with the traction junk they had me wearing. Now, I’ll be here as often as you want company.”

  Carlos blinked. “That might be a lot, Sergeant.”

  “Then it’s a lot.”

  He gripped the bedding. “I don’t remember what happened. Do you?”

  “Very little, but maybe Yang and Humphreys do and can fill in some blanks.”

  “It doesn’t matter, but I’d still like to know, Sergeant.”

  “I know.” Dare also knew Carlos needed him. Not a problem. That was why Dare was there. He stretched out his good leg to make himself comfortable. “Have you been watching any baseball games?”

  ****

  Jenny hadn’t set her alarm, so she shouldn’t have been surprised she’d slept until ten. Guess she needed the sleep after working on her new story last night. The words had been flowing. Ash had landed a sabotaged 777, and she hadn’t wanted to stop.

  With her arms over her head, she stretched.

  No more being lazy. Time to get up so she could go back to the hospital. The more time she spent with Dare, the more she wanted to be with him.

  Jenny touched her lips. She enjoyed his kisses, too.

  Talking about his feelings yesterday hadn’t been easy for him. She hadn’t meant to push, but he couldn’t keep everything inside and keep pretending he was fine. Missy had tried to do that and was still processing through Rob’s death six years later. Jenny didn’t think that would happen to Dare since he hadn’t taken much prodding to open up.

  She kept trying to figure out if he was too good to be true. So far, he seemed genuine, and that filled her with hope. Maybe her message in the bottle had brought her more than a friend. The possibility existed for something bigger, something lasting. The idea thrilled her. She liked him. She was ready for more with Dare.

  An hour later, she walked into his hospital room. His bed was empty. The sheets and pillow had been stripped.

  Jenny’s heart seized in her chest. She struggled to draw air into her lungs. Maybe he was in the bathroom.

  “Dare?”

  No answer. Of course not. It was clear the room was empty.

  Memories of her dad and mom hit with the force of a train, crashing into her with horrifying clarity. Her dad had passed first. She’d come into his hospital room after being with her mom in the ICU, and he was gone. Her mom had never regained consciousness and died two days later.

  But that had happened years ago. She wasn’t here for her parents but for Dare.

  Where was he? Was his room being cleaned? Were more images being taken? Was he at physical therapy?

  A hundred questions boomeranged through her brain. The room shifted, as if tilting. She reached out to grab something but found only air. She stumbled.

  Her heartbeat accelerated.

  Her feet felt unsteady. Her legs, too.

  Oh, no. She knew what was happening.

  Don’t panic. Dare was fine when you left last night. He’s fine now. If not, his mom would have called.

  Logically, Jenny knew those things, but fear continued to grow…to take over.

  Pressure grew in her chest. Her heart seemed to be doing its own thing—palpitations.

  Her throat closed as if something were choking her. She trembled, not only her hands—now clammy—but her entire body.

  Nightmares of walking into empty hospital rooms had plagued her for months after her pa
rents died. The dreams returned after Rob’s death, even though he’d never made it to a hospital before he died.

  But here…now…it felt like she was living a dream. One that struck straight to her core.

  Dare.

  Her eyes burned.

  Relax. Breathe. Get back in control.

  A door opened.

  “Jenny?”

  Dare’s voice.

  She jerked her gaze toward him.

  A nurse was pushing him into the room.

  Jenny ran to him.

  “You’re okay.” She hugged him and then touched his face as if to prove he wasn’t a dream. “You’re here.”

  “I was visiting Carlos. We had a good talk. I needed to stay with him.” Dare’s gaze narrowed. He reached up to cup her face. “You’re so pale. You’re shaking.”

  The nurse came around the wheelchair to Jenny. “Let’s have you sit.”

  “Okay.” As she was led to a chair, she kept her gaze on Dare and focused on her breathing.

  “Has this happened before?” the nurse asked.

  She nodded once. “Not for a while. I’m…calming down now. I just thought…”

  “What’s going on, Jenny?” Dare asked, his voice full of concern.

  “I sometimes get anxious.” She sounded calmer than she felt, but she was relaxing more and more. Her pulse slowed. Tension eased from her muscles. “When you weren’t here and the bed was stripped, I, um, panicked.”

  “Oh, babe. I’m sorry.” Dare rolled the wheelchair using his good arm and leg. He leaned forward and wrapped his right arm around her. “I’m moving to another room this morning. My phone is with the stuff the orderly took, so I was going to wait here for you, but my visit went longer than expected. I thought I’d beat you here.”

  “Let’s stay here for a few minutes more,” the nurse said.

  “That sounds like a plan.” Dare kept hold of her.

  Jenny let him. She wished he would never let go.

  Twenty minutes later, Dare was settled in his new room, and the nurse had left them alone.

  Questions filled his eyes, yet he’d been quiet. He didn’t look tired from visiting Carlos, but Dare wasn’t relaxed, either. Lines creased his forehead and around his mouth.